Langway
In den Wolken
- Jul 7, 2006
- 32,509
- 9,232
Malenstyn has ten years on Hagelin. It's risky to go too far away from proven NHL PKers but it would fit the recent trend. I do think Beck's size and physicality may be more in line with what Laviolette ideally wants from that line 5-on-5, perhaps sparking even more agitation from Hathaway. They did protect TVR over Schultz, Dillon and Jensen so they do prioritize cap value. Malenstyn makes the roster at least I think. If AJF & Geersten were claimed on waivers, surely Malenstyn would? (I also think teams needing a depth center could give Pilon a try and it may cause them to send Lapierre back to the Q.)
If they're prepared to move Hagelin's contract, find a way to find a taker for Kempny and let Schultz walk suddenly that's a lot of cap space in the summer to spend on either a defenseman or a goaltender. It would pave the way for an opportunity to most easily restructure and perhaps open up some spots for youth. Sprong & Dowd will need raises. The young goaltenders would but nothing too hefty unless they break out. (The goaltender UFA crop looks weak at best.) They'd also need to pay futures if they restructure via trade, which may be prohibitive. But next summer in UFA there's potentially Lindholm, Klingberg, Ekholm & Manson on D that could provide a 2/3 boost. I'd get on with extension talks to Sprong & Dowd now, at least exploratory talks. Getting them secured at decent rates has little downside given their usage, productivity and fit.
If they're prepared to move Hagelin's contract, find a way to find a taker for Kempny and let Schultz walk suddenly that's a lot of cap space in the summer to spend on either a defenseman or a goaltender. It would pave the way for an opportunity to most easily restructure and perhaps open up some spots for youth. Sprong & Dowd will need raises. The young goaltenders would but nothing too hefty unless they break out. (The goaltender UFA crop looks weak at best.) They'd also need to pay futures if they restructure via trade, which may be prohibitive. But next summer in UFA there's potentially Lindholm, Klingberg, Ekholm & Manson on D that could provide a 2/3 boost. I'd get on with extension talks to Sprong & Dowd now, at least exploratory talks. Getting them secured at decent rates has little downside given their usage, productivity and fit.